engine bay rattle from behind air vent

[perry190]

Having just returned from a rather spirited sprint down to and around st tropez she has developed an annoying rattle that can be heard from inside the drivers side air vent. (UK car)

Initially a rattle appeared when going over some of the bumpy french/italian roads which steadily got more profound, but then it could be heard on tick over from the vent. Its not a 'heavy' knocking as you would expect from inside the engine but more like something has come lose and is catching against a moving part possibly? (rotational)

This caused me concern obviously in case it was a sharp object catching against the polyrib belt or the likes, so I did the return journey at about 80mph rather than the sometimes excessive speeds on the way out (went with a gt Four pushing around 380bhp)

I've checked the heat shields and they seem secure and it seems higher up, anyone had similar symptoms that could give me an indication before I take it in to be checked by an independant?

I'm assuming the rattle at big bumps and the noise at tickover are connected, but of course this may not be the case.

many thanks

P

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my baby

http://www.freewebs.com/perry190/IMG_0133ccc.jpg

[perry190]

took it into an independant today and they had a fiddle about and initially thought it was coming from the engine . but once the covers were off and the poly belt removed the sound went.

it appears to be the power steering pump (£375) he was checking later today to see how much of a job it is to replace as he hasnt had one go before

fingers crossed when I ring him tomorrow it wont be mega labour costs

[perry190]

just returned from the independant after having the new power steering pump fitted, took them 3 hours in the end, and yes you've guessed it the sound is still there!

Their latest diagnosis is that its the belt tensioner at a cost of £29 and about 40 mins to stip/fit.

we havnt discussed payment yet until I return to have the tensioner fitted (due tomorrow lunch) but I'm assuming the £29 tensioner is going to now cost me about 600+ inc labour and VAT!

A bit naffed off to say the least :(